The renovated Burnaby Children Centre’s Daycare at Hanna Court playground provides an innovative, creative childcare play space for 3-5 year old. The design encourages children to use the entire space for play including: covered outdoor space for art and learning, a play “stream” and stick “forest” with native planting for contact with nature; formal play structure, and alphabet trike path to encourage play and motor skill development. SD worked with the client and the City of Burnaby to address a number of site engineering and security issues that existed prior to the redesign. SD provided design, neighbourhood consultation, permitting and approvals with City, and contract administration services.
The concept of ‘Natural Play’ inspired the overall design, lending form to a variety of play elements that work together to create a unique and interactive playground within an area of under 500m2. Plant material was chosen for sensory appeal (e.g. color, texture, smell), sense of place (e.g. Pacific Northwest native vegetation) and for ease of maintenance. Interspersed within the planting areas are smooth logs and boulders, which encourage exploration. Organically arranged vertical posts mimic the forest backdrop and together with brightly colored circular steps provide a ‘maze’ for children to move through and play. A custom cast water ‘trough’ provides a route for water to travel towards a rounded sandbox and allows for children to play with and control the flow of water into the space. The project meets the challenge of providing an interactive, ‘natural-themed’ playground within a minimal area.
BCCS Daycare at Hanna Court | Burnaby, Canada | Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture
LOCATION | Burnaby, BC
DESIGN FIRM | Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture Inc.
CLIENT | Burnaby Children’s Centre Society
CONSULTANTS | Marc Gauthier Homes – Contractor
